Centrifugal Spreader Deflector Fins for Range Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal spreaders for fertilizers and manures lack a simple, economical, and robust mechanism for adjusting the deflector fins to control the distribution range, often requiring complex movements and materials that are not suitable for motorized operation, and do not allow differential adjustment of individual fins.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal spreader with a deflector unit featuring adjustable fins that can be rotated and positioned using a motorized actuator, allowing for specific trajectory adjustments by a single adjusting member, enabling precise control over the distribution range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fins are fixed in an orientable manner to deflect manure trajectory, then the distribution range can be adjusted, but the construction becomes complicated requiring independent rotation control of multiple fin portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fin adjustment functions into a single adjustable fin assembly. Instead of controlling multiple fin portions independently, one fin serves as an adjusting member that controls the angle of all other fins simultaneously, simplifying the construction while maintaining distribution range adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The single adjusting fin performs multiple functions: it acts as both a deflector element and a control mechanism for other fins. This universal element enables both trajectory deflection and angle control of the entire fin assembly through a single adjustment mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible fins are used with movable elements to modify trajectory deflection, then the angle of deflection can be changed, but the solution requires materials with complex properties combining flexibility, mechanical strength, and wear resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable fins that can change their angle dynamically through mechanical adjustment mechanisms. Instead of relying on material flexibility, the fins maintain rigid structural integrity while achieving deflection angle variation through controlled positional changes via the adjusting member
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for flexible materials with a mechanical adjustment system. The adjusting fin uses a mechanical linkage or pivot system to control fin angles, substituting material property requirements with a mechanical control mechanism that is easier to manufacture and maintain
3Device complexity
If all fins are actuated by the same adjusting member, then differential adjustment of individual fins is not possible, but the system becomes simpler and more suitable for motorized operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing the adjusting fin itself to have a different function from the other fins. The adjusting fin is positioned and dimensioned differently to serve as a control element, while other fins are identical and serve purely as deflector elements, achieving both simplicity and functional differentiation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a simple, robust, and economical means to adjust the distribution range of fertilizers and manures, allowing for precise control of each fin's position and angle, suitable for motorized operation, reducing waste and pollution by optimizing the distribution pattern.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating distribution disc, which receives the material dispensed via an outlet from the container in order to distribute it by means of a centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
deflector fins located radially on the disc, in such a position as to intercept the trajectory of the distributed granular material and deflect it in a suitable manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A centrifugal spreader (100) for manures, fertilizers and granular materials in general comprises a hopper (1) for containing the granular material, a dispensing container (2), a distribution disc (3) which receives the granular material, and a deflector unit (4) positioned in front of the distribution disc with respect to an exit trajectory of the granular material from the distribution disc. The deflector unit comprises a support frame (51, 52) and a plurality of adjustable deflector fins (40, 40') connected to the support frame. Each of the adjustable deflector fins comprises a first portion (41) rotatably connected to the support frame and a second portion (42) slidably associated with a guide element (60) formed in an operating plate (6). The guide element is shaped in such a way that the second portion is slidable in the guide element along a direction of sliding (S) which is transverse with respect to the direction of translation (X) of the operating plate, so as to create a rotation (a) of the adjustable deflector fins.